ISO 8936:2017

Overview

ISO 8936:2017 - Awnings for leisure accommodation vehicles - Requirements and test methods - sets product and test requirements for awnings intended to be pitched and struck on caravans, motorhomes and other leisure accommodation vehicles. The standard defines material performance, safety and durability criteria for awnings used as enclosures (not for simple sun shading), and combines both product requirements and test methods into one reference to support manufacturers, testers and purchasers.

This standard does not apply to:

• Sun awnings (detachable sun shelters not intended for wind/rain/snow protection)
• External blinds (permanently fixed sun shields)
• Fixed awnings (permanent, non-mobile structures; e.g., square aluminium or timber framed permanent porches)

Key Topics

ISO 8936:2017 covers technical topics and mandatory tests that affect safety, durability and user information:

• Classification of awnings by use: Winter (W), Residential (R), Touring (T), Light-weight (L).
• Dimensions and ergonomic requirements (entrance/exit, standing height, perimeter relation to the vehicle).
• Fabrics: performance for coated/laminated and non-coated roofs and walls, including dimensional stability, low-temperature cracking resistance, colour fastness, weathering and flammability.
• Zip fasteners, frame assembly (load capacity, corrosion, shearing/crushing point tests) and evolving systems (flexible poles, inflatable tubes noted as future focus).
• Guying, ground fastening and mud wall pegging points for secure anchoring.
• Awning attachment to vehicle (channel cord), ventilation, draught exclusion and means of escape.
• Water resistance: rain resistance, rain-shower and pooled-water (trough) tests to assess seams and material performance.
• Marking and manufacturer information: warnings, point-of-sale data and user guidance required with the product.
• Test methods include frame load tests, corrosion testing, zip tests, rain-shower and trough tests, and pegging/guying tests.

Applications

ISO 8936:2017 is used by:

• Manufacturers and designers of vehicle awnings for product development, quality control and compliance.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies conducting durability and safety testing.
• Suppliers and retailers to prepare accurate point-of-sale information and user instructions.
• Fleet operators and consumers who want assurance on rain resistance, wind performance, fire safety and proper attachment.
• Vehicle OEMs and converters specifying compatible awnings and attachment systems.

Practical benefits include improved product safety, clearer performance claims (rain resistance, frame strength, fabric durability) and consistent consumer information for awning selection.

Related standards

• ISO 5912 (inner tents) is referenced for inner tent requirements used in some awning designs.
• ISO/TC 83 is the responsible technical committee for recreational equipment standards development.